Know This: Election Edition #3

In this edition

• Women’s rights and expanded health care access

• Where the parties stand on gender-based violence

• How to vote on election day

• Gin and tonic popsicles with lime and mint (for obvious reasons)

As we wrap up our Know This election coverage, we want to spotlight one more crucial topic: women’s issues.

Canadian women vote at higher rates than men, making their voices a powerful force for change. But equality is still out of reach. While we’ve made progress on representation and affordable childcare—a family issue, not just a mom issue—key concerns like reproductive rights, economic security and gender-based violence risk being pushed aside.

Recent U.S. voting laws offer a warning. Up to 69 million American women—many of whom changed their names after marriage—could be blocked from voting because their birth certificates don’t match their current ID. Men, who rarely face this, aren’t affected the same way. It’s a reminder that rights can be eroded not only by bans, but by barriers.

As we head to the polls, remember: The cost of gas or groceries means little if our core freedoms are at risk. This truth belongs at the centre of our national conversation. Women's turnout and activism are more important than ever in terms of Canada’s progress.

Thanks for reading our special election editions of Know This. We’ll return May 22 with your monthly dose of news that matters to Canadian families. Until then, stay informed, stay engaged and make your voice count next Monday.

Jane Bradley
President, ParentsCanada

AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM OUR TEAM: While we’ve been thrilled by the positive response to our Know This election editions, some readers have noted that our coverage isn’t comprehensive. This is great feedback. And it’s true, by design.

Our goal leading up to April 28 was to give busy parents a quick, accessible snapshot of key issues to help them feel more informed. That said, we always encourage you to dig deeper into the topics that matter most to you.

THE BIG STORY

The Breakdown of Proposed Reproductive Rights and Health Care Access

What's Happening

Women's reproductive health has emerged as a pivotal election issue, with the major parties taking varied stances on access and funding.

What You Need to Know

It’s a major understatement to say reproductive rights and abortion access is a critical election topic. Here’s a basic look at how the platforms shake out:

The Liberals support permanent access to abortion and have committed up to $20,000 in funding for IVF. They also propose enhanced data collection on women's health issues, including menopause. However, specifics on how these initiatives will be implemented remain unclear.

The Conservatives have stated that they will not pass laws to restrict access to abortion. They have not made any detailed statements regarding IVF funding or women's health data. They have generally emphasized provincial jurisdiction in health matters.

The NDP strongly supports abortion access and is calling for its legal enshrinement. They advocate for expanded funding for IVF and propose enhanced data collection and support for a broad range of women’s health issues.

Why It Matters to Families

Reproductive health care directly impacts family planning, women's health and economic security. With these rights under threat in neighbouring countries, Canadian families need clear commitments from all parties on protecting and expanding these essential services. The policies implemented after this election will determine whether Canadian women maintain autonomy over their bodies and health care decisions.

THE HOT BUTTON

How the Parties are Approaching Gender-Based Violence

What’s Happening

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious and growing problem in Canada. Every 48 hours, a woman or girl is killed—most often by someone they know. Indigenous women are at even higher risk, at seven times more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women. Shelters are full, and many women and children fleeing violence can't find a safe place to go—especially with the ongoing housing crisis.

What You Need to Know

The political parties are being asked what they will do to stop gender-based violence. Here are some of the questions they have answered during their campaigns:

• If elected, will the party keep a dedicated minister for Women and Gender Equality?

• Will they make sure there's an independent group overseeing Canada's National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence?

• Will they add "femicide" (the killing of women because they are women) to the Criminal Code?

• Will they allocate more safe and affordable housing for women fleeing violence?

• Will they promise long-term funding for women's organizations doing this important work?

Honestly? None of the answers have ticked all of the boxes, but here’s what the big three have said so far:

- NDP: Intend to expand funding for shelters and women’s organizations, enshrine access to affordable housing as a legal right and retain a dedicated minister focused on gender-based violence

- Conservatives: Propose tougher sentences for intimate partner violence, introduce a new Criminal Code offence and offer general support for shelters and affordable housing

- Liberals: Pledge to continue the National Action Plan, increase funding for shelters, support affordable housing and enforce stricter penalties for violent offenders

Why It Matters to Families

Think of Canada as a team. If team members are being hurt and can't get the help they need, the whole team suffers. When women and children aren't safe, it affects everyone—kids can't learn, parents can't work and families can't thrive. Voting for leaders who take gender-based violence seriously is like choosing a coach who makes sure everyone is safe and supported.

THE EXPLAINER

How to Vote on Election Day (Even if You Aren’t Registered Yet!)

No matter who you vote for, the most important thing is to vote. It’s a vitally important right that many, many people around the world don’t have, and it’s the most powerful way to make your voice heard.

To vote in a federal election in Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on election day and be able to prove your identity and address.

A few things to note before election day:

• If you've received a voter information card from Elections Canada, you're already registered. Bring the card with you when you go to vote.

• If you haven’t received a voter information card or need to update your information, register or make changes online at elections.ca, by phone or at your local Elections Canada office. You can also do it in person at the polls on April 28.

To vote, you must provide two pieces of identification. Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address. Examples include the following

• Your voter information card and your passport or driver’s license

• A bank statement with your name and address and a student card or other ID

Last but not least, figure out where to vote:

• Your polling location is listed on your voter information card, if you’ve received one.

• If you don’t have a voter information card, you can find your polling station by entering your postal code at elections.ca.

THE TREAT

Gin and Tonic Popsicles with Lime and Mint

Channel the summer (it’s just around the corner!) and celebrate making it through an intense campaign season with a batch of boozy G&T popsicles. You’ve earned it.

Rate today’s email

This month’s newsletter was written by Jane Bradley, edited by Katie Dupuis and designed by Tinker Solution.